Debbie Wasserman Schultz to Head DNC

The Washington Post is reporting that Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a congresswoman from South Florida and a key White House defender, was chosen by President Barack Obama on Tuesday to become chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee. If the full DNC ratifies the choice as expected, Wasserman Schultz would be the first woman elected chair by the full body.

Obama picked the four-term lawmaker from south Florida to succeed Tim Kaine, who earlier Tuesday announced he would seek a Senate seat in Virginia. The move elevates Wasserman Schultz to a crucial role as Obama looks toward a re-election campaign that will use the DNC to define his likely Republican rivals.

In a statement released from the DNC, Wasserman Schultz said she would work "every day to guarantee that President Obama and Democratic candidates up and down the ballot are in the best position to win their races." But keeping the White House would be her central charge.

It looks as if Democrats will make history with Wasserman at the helm, while trying to repeat history by keeping President Barack Obama in the White House in 2012.

CORRECTION: Although it is being widely reported that Debbie Wasserman Shultz will be the first female head of the DNC, there have been two female heads of the DNC before her. The late Jean M. Westwood was the first female head of the DNC in 1972 followed by Debra DeLee in 1995. This would make Wasserman Shultz the third female head of the DNC. We regret the error.